IT'S hot in Crewe, but it's not yet a heatwave.

However, the mercury isn't dropping below 20C over the next five or six days with the Met Office predicting highs of 22C tomorrow (Saturday) next Thursday.

Heatwaves are defined as three consecutive days of temperatures ranging from around 25C to 28C and we still have still got some way to go hitting last year's June highs in the UK (33.4C recorded on June 25).

Nevertheless, after May's washout everyone is enjoying the prolonged sunshine and most people will want to make the most of the heat with the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Locally, Nantwich Brine Pool reopened last Friday (May 28), and as for all Everybody Sport and Recreation's swimming and gym facilities you do have to book a session, which will be under strict Covid guidelines.

Dearnford/Alderford Lake near Whitchurch is also popular for a swim if, of course, you like wild swimming. Paddle boarders, kayakers and canoeists are also catered for. You can book an adult wild swim for £5.50, while there is an aqua park for the kids (opening times 9am to 4.30pm).

With camp sites open again, both here and across the border in Wales, it could be the ideal time to go on an outdoors staycation.

But at some sites shared toilet and washing facilities may not be open. Those with self-contained facilities aboard caravans and campervans will have more choice.

Within a short drive of Crewe, you could try Camping and Caravanning Club site the Durham Heifer at Broxton or Pitch And Canvas at Broad Oak Farm in Tattenhall.

For caravanners, Lower Lacon Caravan Park at Wem is not too far either, but there are no showers, only toilets open in the shared facilities.

For those going further afield, North Wales' largest camp site, Shell Island, near Harlech, which shut down all of last year because of the pandemic, is open this year, but with a limited capacity and online booking is essential.